MINI Cooper
31 MPG The 2013 MINI Cooper is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 35.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 484 gallons, $1548 a year in fuel, or $0.103 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2002–2013 run it averages 28.9 MPG, improving by 6 MPG over 12 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.081 | $806 | $1210 | $1613 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.097 | $968 | $1452 | $1935 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.103 | $1032 | $1548 | $2065 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.113 | $1129 | $1694 | $2258 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.129 | $1290 | $1935 | $2581 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.145 | $1452 | $2177 | $2903 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 31 MPG | 28 | 35.5 | $2475 | 285 | 2 |
| 2012 | 31 MPG | 28 | 35.5 | $2475 | 287 | 2 |
| 2011 | 31.5 MPG | 28.5 | 35.5 | $2450 | 282 | 2 |
| 2010 | 30 MPG | 26.5 | 35 | $2575 | 298 | 2 |
| 2009 | 30.5 MPG | 26.5 | 35.5 | $2525 | 292 | 2 |
| 2008 | 30.5 MPG | 27 | 35.5 | $2525 | 292 | 2 |
| 2007 | 30 MPG | 26.5 | 34.5 | $2575 | 297 | 2 |
| 2006 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 32 | $2850 | 330 | 2 |
| 2005 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 32 | $2850 | 330 | 2 |
| 2004 | 26.5 MPG | 23.5 | 31 | $2925 | 336 | 2 |
| 2003 | 26.5 MPG | 23.5 | 31 | $2925 | 336 | 2 |
| 2002 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the MINI Cooper ranks 3 on current figures, against a class average of 22.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Scion iQ (37), Fiat 500e (116).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 285 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the MINI Cooper get?
The 2013 MINI Cooper is rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA — 28 city and 35.5 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 28.9 MPG, ranging from 25 to 32 depending on year and trim.
How much does a MINI Cooper cost in fuel per year?
At 31 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 484 gallons — roughly $1548 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.103 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $2475.
Has the MINI Cooper become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 25 MPG in 2002 to 31 in 2013 — an improvement of 6 MPG, or 24% across 12 model years.
Is the MINI Cooper efficient for its class?
It ranks 3 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.3 MPG. That is 8.7 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.